Shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, police officers were on mobile patrol when they had occasion to attend a property in the area of Mission Lane, Pembroke.

A check of the property drew them to the roof of a derelict building where more than sixty cannabis plants in various stages of growth, were found.

The plants were seized and subsequently destroyed.

The public is reminded that cannabis remains a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1972.

While the Misuse of Drugs (Decriminalisation of Cannabis) Amendment Act 2017 removed criminal offences for simple possession by any person of 7 grams or LESS of cannabis, the Act does NOT make it legal for a person to consume, cultivate, traffic or import cannabis in any quantity.

Under the Act, a police officer of any rank has the lawful authority to seize any amount of cannabis in the possession of any person.

Even if a person is caught with 7 grams or less of cannabis, that person’s residence, vessel or vehicle may be subject to search, if the police suspect other offences, such as possession with an intent to supply, or other criminal offences.

It is still illegal to use, sell (supply), handle, or import cannabis and a person can expect to be prosecuted for such offences.

If a person is caught with more than 7 grams of cannabis, that person should expect to be arrested and prosecuted, likely resulting in a criminal conviction.